Hameln review in the 'Radio Aktiv' studio in Bad Pyrmont. 19th March 2010

The well-known flamenco dancer Bettina Castaño took to the search for the roots of Flamenco with her current programme 'Pulse of India'.

By Mathias Linder

Bettina Castaño's flamenco of Indian origin was performed with a lot of variety. It was not only an explosion of temperament, but also an emotional 'journey inside'.The roots of this dance, which lie in the Indian and Arabic region give flamenco a introverted character, with an expression of deep emotion. There is a lot more improvisation than choreography in 'Indian' flamenco – and the flamenco expert from Sevilla has succeeded in creating a symbiosis between European well thought out dance, and exotic, meditative dance. She is able to hammer the stage with her unusual shoes at an incredible speed, but also to be a tender, smooth, completetemple dancer and integrate this with flamenco.

Bettina Castaño 's performance was extremely intense, whichever type of emotion she applied, she created uniqueness with unusual and playful movements. She was assisted by a first-class combo of musicians – two brilliant flamenco guitarrists. They delighted the public with their first duo. The vocals predominantly created a melancholic tone.

Two Indian percussionists on the Tavili and Chenda were drumming with frolicsome humour, and delivered real duels – and 'unusual communication'. Although only one third of seats were taken, the applause was as thunderous as if the room were full.